Youssef En-Nesyri produced a dramatic late moment of quality on Monday, scoring a spectacular free-kick to help Al-Ittihad secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The Moroccan striker struck in the 90th minute, turning a tense contest into a memorable night for the Saudi club. After falling behind in the first half, Al-Ittihad fought back through Houssem Aouar before En-Nesyri delivered the decisive goal in the closing stages.
The result gave Al-Ittihad their first victory in this season’s continental campaign after a draw and a defeat in their opening two matches.
En-Nesyri Decides the Match With a Brilliant Free Kick
With the match approaching its conclusion, En-Nesyri stepped up and found the net with a powerful, curling free-kick. The strike proved decisive, securing three valuable points for Al-Ittihad and putting the Moroccan international at the centre of the headlines.
According to reports from Goal, the goal was particularly significant because it was described as the first direct free-kick goal of En-Nesyri’s career. The finish added another dimension to the forward’s attacking contribution and demonstrated his ability to influence a match beyond his usual work inside the penalty area.
En-Nesyri has built his reputation primarily on his movement, aerial ability and finishing. This late strike offered a different example of his quality, arriving at a moment when Al-Ittihad needed an individual contribution to avoid dropping more points.
Watch Free Kick of En-Nesyri
Al-Ittihad Come From Behind to Claim Victory
The Saudi side’s evening did not begin smoothly. Neftchi Fergana took the lead in the 17th minute through Jamshid Iskanderov, who converted a penalty after a VAR review for handball.
Al-Ittihad responded before half-time. Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar levelled the score in the 34th minute with a well-placed header, giving the visitors a route back into the contest.
The second half developed into a closely fought battle, with both teams searching for a winner. As the clock ticked towards full-time, a draw appeared possible. En-Nesyri then stepped forward with the moment that separated the sides.
His 90th-minute strike completed the comeback and ensured Al-Ittihad left Uzbekistan with all three points.
A Crucial Boost for Al-Ittihad in Asia
The victory moved Al-Ittihad to four points from three matches in the AFC Champions League Elite. It also provided a welcome response after the team had opened its continental campaign with a draw and a defeat.
Every point matters during the league phase, where clubs are competing to secure a place in the knockout rounds. A late win can offer more than points alone: it can restore confidence and create momentum for the next fixtures.
For Al-Ittihad, En-Nesyri’s decisive contribution could prove an important moment in their campaign. The team showed resilience after conceding early and eventually found a way to turn a difficult match into a victory.
En-Nesyri Continues to Make an Impact in Saudi Arabia
Since arriving at Al-Ittihad, En-Nesyri has been expected to provide goals and a strong presence in attack. The Moroccan international has experience at the highest level of European football and has also been an important figure for Morocco’s national team.
His late winner against Neftchi highlighted why strikers are often judged by their ability to decide tight games. Although Al-Ittihad needed contributions from across the team to recover from their early setback, En-Nesyri supplied the final touch when the result was still in doubt.
The goal also gives the Moroccan forward another highlight to add to his growing collection of performances in Saudi Arabia. For supporters of the Atlas Lions, his form at club level will remain worth following as the national team’s international commitments approach.
What the Result Means for the Champions League Campaign
Al-Ittihad’s 2-1 win takes their tally to four points after three rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase. The club will look to build on the result in its upcoming continental fixtures.
Neftchi Fergana, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lost after taking the lead and holding the match close until the final moments. The late free kick ultimately proved the difference in a contest that could have ended level.
For Al-Ittihad, the headline belongs to En-Nesyri. His 90th-minute strike transformed a challenging away fixture into a valuable victory and gave the Moroccan striker another opportunity to shine on the Asian stage.
Follow Lions12 for more updates on Youssef En-Nesyri, Al-Ittihad and Moroccan football.
Sources :
- AFC official match report — best for confirming the score and match details.
- Goal.com match coverage and video — for the free-kick footage and goal coverage.
- LE360 Sport report — additional Moroccan coverage.
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